The Wolf Among Them
Jasmine's POV
It was almost a week since they had spoken so deeply by the koi pond. After that, my paths with Alpha Aiden never crossed, not even accidentally. A part of me felt grateful, but another part felt uneasy. I wished I could say more, but I also felt like I was still trying to understand many things.
My stay at the pack house was nothing like what I had seen before. Despite the presence of wolves, it was both large and peaceful. All the members worked toward their tasks with a clear sense of purpose. What really touched me was their kindness toward me.
At the start, I believed they acted kindly because they were scared or forced by Aiden. But no. Their warmth was genuine. It was Lena who I found comfort in most. She hovered near me almost constantly to see if I was eating, sleeping well and not overexerting myself.
"You just float by," she said once, handing me honey-covered bread. "Perhaps you should start enjoying life more than you have been."
She wasn't wrong.
My body was still sore, but the pain was not as strong as before. Walking felt less uncomfortable and the sharp pain in my ribs had turned into a gentle throb. I was not quite my old self, but I was getting better. Being pitied made me feel resentful.
One morning, I told Lena, "I need to train."
An expression of doubt crossed her face as she looked at me. Maybe you should take a rest instead of going hiking.
I looked at her with a straight, serious face.
She sighed. "Fine. Even so, be careful—I told you there could be trouble."
A couple of hours later, I found Lena grinning as she barged into my room.
"There's going to be a selection event today. New guards are being recruited. Alpha said outsiders could watch. Want to come?"
I hesitated.
"Come on," she urged, tugging my arm. "It'll do you some good."
I accepted her request after she kept pestering me for some time. I didn't expect much.
But that day changed everything.
---
The practice areas were buzzing with athletes moving about. In human form, the young wolves circled while battling, making the dust fly around them. Others fought using weapons and also showed their skills as wolves by shifting shapes and proving their skills. With Lena, I remained by the edge and watched the process quietly.
I became a source of curiosity for others. Some of curiosity. Others of suspicion. But most didn't recognize me. I was just another face.
That suited me fine.
Lena pointed at Alpha Aiden, who was sitting on a higher platform nearby.
He walked there, in black once more, his silver eyes watching over the battlefield. His face was unreadable. Although he didn't hesitate or show fear, a tiny smile appeared on his lips when he saw me.
He remembered me.
I looked away.
He made an announcement, calling for people to come forward for a gauntlet match. Lena practically shoved me forward. She whispered "Go!" with a smile on her face.
"Are you insane?" I hissed.
"You want to train. Here's your chance."
He saw the movement and alerted me to its presence. "You. Step forward."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. I could sense that many people were watching me closely.
Great.
Nevertheless, I continued, my shoulders held steady. I felt a tremor in my legs, but I kept walking without stopping.
Someone whispered, "She's not part of the crew."
"Is this what they call a joke?" someone asked in a low voice.
I tuned them out.
I had to square off against three different foes and each one became tougher than the last. First, it seems there was a young male, perhaps not more than nineteen years old. He made a swift move, but I was quicker. Using my low stance, I blocked beneath his strikes and collapsed him to the ground in one loud move.
Cheers erupted.
Another encounter was with a female, older, who had more experience. She tried to hurt me, but I blocked her punch and slammed her to the ground. Even though I felt pain in my ribs, I stood with confidence.
Then came the third.
He had a massive build like a bear.
I took a deep breath. I was exhausted, but my motivation was stronger.
We fought. It was brutal. I bled. My side burned. But then instinct kicked in.
Proving myself was not the only reason I chose to fight. I was determined to win back every loss I faced.
Just then, I avoided his charge and hit the wooden end of my staff into the back of his knee, causing him to fall unconscious.
Silence.
Then, thunderous applause.
I bypassed the platform as I started writing. I didn't need to. I could feel his gaze.
My steps were shaking as I returned to Lena. The look she gave me made me feel like I could fly.
She was startled and asked: "What on earth just happened?"
"A warm-up," I muttered.
As I relaxed in my tub that evening, a knock came from outside my door.
"Alpha Aiden wants to have a word with you. In his chambers."
—
"Impressive," he said without turning. "Most of my guards were not as brave as you were."
I said, "I came here to train."
He came toward me and looked into my eyes. "You wanted to be seen."
I said nothing.
"Jasmine, what is making you so afraid?"
I stared at him. "What leads you to believe I'm fleeing?"
His eyes bore into mine. "Because I have lived through it myself."
A silence settled between us.
Then he said, "There will be another round tomorrow. This time, I want to see how well you work with others. You'll be paired with one of my lead warriors."
I nodded slowly. "Fine."
He stepped even closer. "You asked me a question before. About trust."
I held my breath.
He said, "Trust isn't given here. It's earned. But you're on the right path."
I didn't reply.
As I turned to leave, he added, "One more thing."
I paused.
"If Lucas ever does come looking for you..." He trailed off, voice colder now. "I hope you're prepared to fight."
My fingers curled into fists.
"I am."
And with that, I walked out.
I was close to being a trusted wolf here.
And my revenge plan was getting closer.